To provide essential information on retail prices and other relevant information of selected commodities in selected major trading centers throughout the country, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) granted clearance for the conduct of the 2020 Retail Price Surveys (RPS) to be undertaken nationwide. These surveys aim to collect data for the generation of Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Retail Price Index (RPI), and monitoring of prices of agricultural commodities.

The surveys cleared for conduct are the following:

• 2020 RPS of Selected Commodities and Services for the Generation of Consumer Price Index (CPI)

The retail price survey of selected commodities and services for the generation of the CPI is conducted in varying frequency, i.e. daily, thrice a week, weekly, twice a week, monthly and semi-annually. The survey aims to generate the CPI which measures changes in the average retail prices at a fixed basket of goods and services commonly purchased by household relative to a base year. The survey will be conducted to around 10,000 retail stores/outlets located in National Capital Region (NCR) and 81 provinces and two (2) selected cities in Areas Outside NCR (AONCR)with a total of Php 55.8 million. which are allocated for travelling expenses and maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE). Results are released on the 5th day after the reference month which is in compliance to the System of Designated Statistics (SDS)

• 2020 RPS of Selected Commodities for the Generation of Retail Price Index (RPI)

The retail price survey of selected commodities for the generation of retail price index (RPI) is conducted thrice a week, weekly and twice a week in the NCR only. The survey aims to generate the RPI which is used to monitor the economic situation of the retail trade sector. It is also used as a deflator in the estimation of the National Accounts of the Philippines on the retail trade sector and serves as basis of forecasting business in retail trade. The survey which covers about 80 retail stores/outlets (excluding those in CPI) in NCR shall utilize a total budget of Php 33.6 million. Based on SDS, results are released every 15th day after the reference month.

• 2020 RPS for Selected Agricultural Commodities

The retail price survey for selected agricultural commodities aims to monitor prices of unprocessed agricultural commodities traded in local/provincial market centers of the country. Retail selling prices also serves as a guide to farmer’s decision related to the type and volume of agricultural production. The retail prices information is collected twice or thrice a week. The survey will be administered to five (5) retailers/store owners per market per commodity in selected markets in NCR, 78 provinces and two (2) cities (Zamboanga City and Davao City) in the Philippines. A total budget of Php 6.7 million will be used for the field operations. Results of the survey are scheduled to be released every Wednesday after the reference week for the selected agricultural commodities and every Friday after the reference week for palay/rice and corn prices.

The surveys were reviewed and cleared for conduct under the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS), a mechanism being implemented by the PSA by virtue of Rule 28 of Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act (RA) No. 10625 to:

• ensure sound design for data collection,
• minimize the burden placed upon respondents,
• effect economy in statistical data collection,
• eliminate unnecessary duplication of statistical data collection efforts, and
• achieve better coordination of government statistical activities.

In line with this, the PSA enjoins the public to support the said statistical activities.

For further information on SSRCS, please contact the Statistical Standards Division (SSD) of the Standards Service (SS) with telephone numbers (02) 8376-1928 and (02) 8376-1931, and email address ssd.staff@psa.gov.ph and ssdss.staff@gmail.com.

DENNIS S. MAPA, Ph.D.
Undersecretary
National Statistician and Civil Registrar General

See more at the Statistical Survey Review and Clearance System (SSRCS) landing page.